ZEC pledges credible polls

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering free, fair and credible 2018 harmonised polls under the current electoral law.

This came out during a meeting organised by the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) and the Gwanda Residents Association held in the provincial capital this today.

The WILD and Gwanda Residents Association have a created a platform for the electorate to interface with aspiring local government candidates and other critical stakeholders like ZEC ahead of the harmonised polls set for July 30.

ZEC’s Commissioner Mr Daniel Chigaro who gave an update on the election road map, the election code of conduct and amendment of the Electoral Act said the 2018 polls will go ahead under the current law saying any reforms lie in the hands of parliament and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“We as ZEC are following the law as it stands today. The law can only be changed by the National Assembly, the Senate and the President. We cannot change that,” he said.

ZEC also encouraged aspiring candidates to prepare for the sitting of the nomination court on the 14th of this month through ensuring that they have all the required documents.

The meeting also afforded the ward 4 aspiring candidates from Zanu PF, MDC Alliance and Mthwakazi Republic Party to articulate their policies and vision.

Local residents also had an opportunity to participate in the debate.

The Gwanda Residents Association said the meetings that will be held in all the wards will encourage political tolerance and mutual respect among all party representatives and supporters so that the prevailing peace and tranquility is maintained.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers Association.